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Editorial: Social work's public image must be repaired

1 min read
Nestled within Options for Excellence, the Government's review of ways to develop the social care workforce (see News, p8), is this telling quote from an anonymous social worker: "When people ask me what I do for a living, I don't always want to say because the job has such a bad image."

The comment shows the extent of social services' image problem, butfails to convey the serious effects of it.

The profession's negative image does two things. First, it createsmistrust between the profession and those they try to help. Parentsworry that by seeking help for family problems, they put themselves atthe mercy of social workers who have the power to take away theirchildren.

Secondly, it has encouraged thousands to dismiss the idea of a career insocial care and left local authorities and social care organisationsstruggling to attract and keep staff. The profession's high vacancyrates mean bigger caseloads for those who remain, which in turn meanspoorer services for those who need them.

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